“Same here.”
“If you’re hungry, I have some leftover turkey. Would you like some of that?”
Jared shook his head. “Not now, Mom. Maybe later, though.”
“Okay.” Cora smiled. Today had turned out better than she’d imagined, at least where she and Jared were concerned. She didn’t know when or if she would ever mend fences with Adam, but at least she had Jared, and for that she was thankful.
The day after Thanksgiving as Elaine stood beside Ben, along with several others who had come to the cemetery to say their final good-byes to Sara, her heart went out to Jonah. He stood beside Sara’s parents, holding little Mark, while his mother-in-law held the baby. On the other side of Jonah were his parents and his sister and her family. Obviously they were all in pain. Sara and Jean had been good friends, so Sara’s death had been a huge blow to everyone in the family.
Jonah’s drooping shoulders and dull-looking eyes let Elaine know that in addition to his grief, he hadn’t had much sleep. Losing a loved one was difficult in any situation, and an unexpected tragedy such as this had to be devastating. Elaine wished there was something she could do to ease his burden. It would be difficult for him to go on without Sara. But Jonah was strong, and Elaine felt sure he would make it through with the help of his folks and Sara’s. Others within their Amish community would be there for Jonah and his children, too.
As Jonah stood on shaky legs, staring at Sara’s simple wooden coffin being lowered into the ground, he struggled to keep his emotions under control. For little Mark’s sake, he did not want to break down.
It still didn’t seem possible that such a tragedy had happened. Things had been going along so well, and he and Sara had been so excited about the safe arrival of their new baby girl. It grieved him to know that their precious daughter would never get to know her mother—at least not on this earth. He loved Sara and wondered how he could make it without her. For the sake of his children, though, he had to find the courage and strength to go on.
He remembered the words to Isaiah 30:15, a verse of scripture their bishop had quoted during Sara’s funeral service: “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”
Jonah would need to memorize that verse and quote it many times in the days ahead, for he had never been more fully aware that he could do nothing in his own strength. He needed every bit of help he could get—from his family and friends, but most of all from God.
Leah’s heart was saddened as she stood beside Adam and recited the Lord’s Prayer along with the others in attendance. She was confident that Sara was in a better place, but she would be sorely missed by her family and friends—especially Jonah. Mark was still young, and even though he would miss his mother, in time his memory of her would fade. And the precious baby girl would have no memory of Sara at all. What will Jonah do now? Leah wondered. Will he eventually remarry or simply rely on his family to help him raise Martha and Mark?
Leah knew how important the children were to Jonah. She’d been convinced that he’d married Sara mostly to be a father to Mark. That wasn’t to say that he didn’t love Sara. No, it had been quite evident from Jonah’s tender, caring ways that he was committed to Sara and their marriage and would have done most anything for her.
She glanced over at her brother, Nathan, and his wife, Jean, who stood near Jonah and his parents. Poor Jean, seeing her brother go through something like this. It seems so unfair to all of them.
“Leah, are you ready to go?” Adam asked, placing his hand on her arm while leaning close to her.
She blinked a couple of times and slowly nodded. She’d been so immersed in her thoughts that she hadn’t even realized the service was over.
Leah followed Adam over to offer their condolences to Jonah once more. “If there’s anything you need, please let us know,” Leah said, swallowing against the sob rising in her throat.
“Jah,” Adam agreed. “We’ll do whatever we can to help.”
“Danki for your kindness.” Jonah tousled Mark’s hair. “It’s going to be tough, but with the support of family, friends, and most of all God, we’ll make it through.”
Several others came up then, so Leah moved aside and followed Adam to their horse and buggy at the hitching rack just outside the fence surrounding the cemetery. They’d left the girls with Leah’s mother today, thinking the funeral might be a harsh reminder of their own parents’ death.
Adam helped Leah into the buggy, untied his horse, and took his place in the driver’s seat. Turning to Leah, he said, “There’s something I think you should know.”
“What’s that?”
“I’ve been thinking about our marriage and how it’s only a marriage of convenience.” He clasped her hand. “What I’m trying to say is that I’ve been dead inside, but you’ve brought me back to life. I’m in love with you, Leah, and I’d like us to be married in every sense of the word.”
“I love you, too, Adam, and I love Carrie, Linda, and Amy. I’ve come to realize that you and the girls are God’s gift to me. But we need to work out some things.”
“You mean about my mother?”
Leah nodded, while squeezing his hand. “We are Christians, Adam, and God’s Word says we need to forgive others.”
“I know, and I’ve been praying about that. I’m not ready yet to establish a relationship with Cora, but God’s helping me to be able to forgive her.” Gently, he caressed Leah’s face. “You don’t have to worry about me selling out and moving, either, because we’ll be staying put.”
Tears welled in Leah’s eyes, clouding her vision. “I’m so glad.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask you something. That night when you told me about Cora, it seemed that you were going to say something else, but I cut you off. Was it important, Leah?”
“Jah, I think it was, but I didn’t say anything because it seemed as if you’d made up your mind, and I was waiting for just the right time.”
“What is it, Leah? I’m willing to listen.”
“Cora told me that awhile after she’d left you, Mary, and your daed, she’d come back to see you, but you’d moved, and no one would tell her where you had gone.”
“She really came back?”
Leah nodded. “That’s what she said.”
“Do you think she planned to stay, or was it just for a visit?”
“I’m not sure. That’s something you’d have to ask her yourself.”
“Maybe someday, I will.” Adam leaned closer and gently kissed Leah’s lips.
His words gave Leah hope. Maybe after a little more time, Adam would be willing to talk to his mother and would learn that he had a half brother. Perhaps someday soon, he’d allow Cora and Jared to be a part of their family. Now that would be the best gift of all.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Leah felt that her ability to help people with reflexology was a gift from God. But some people, like Adam, didn’t see it that way. Have you ever had an ability that you felt was God’s gift but others did not? How did you deal with their negative comments?
2. Since Adam’s mother had abandoned him when he was a child, he was afraid of establishing a relationship with any other woman because she might reject him. Have you or someone you know ever been in a similar situation? How did you deal with those feelings?
3. What can we do to help someone whose parents have abandoned them? What are some verses of scripture that might help someone like Adam cope with their past?
4. Cora made several unwise decisions during her adult life, including her decision to leave the faith of her people. How did walking away from the faith that she’d been taught during her childhood change the course of her life?
5. Should Cora have included her son Jared in the decision to leave their home in Chicago and move to Arthur where they had no friends or family? Do you think Jared may have been more receptive to change if he’d been included in the plans?
6. After Cora’s divorce, her son became rebellious. How can a single parent
deal with a defiant teen?
7. Jonah suffered yet another loss when an unexpected accident shattered his world. What are some things we can do to help someone get through a tragic loss?
8. Despite his decision to remain single, Adam felt the need for a wife. His marriage was one of convenience, rather than love, since he needed someone to help him raise his nieces. Was that the best course of action for Adam, or should he have looked for a full-time babysitter?
9. Leah agreed to marry Adam even though he didn’t love her. Leah’s love for Adam’s nieces was a driving factor. Is there ever a time when a couple should marry without love? What obstacles would they have to overcome in order to make the marriage work?
10. Leah’s friend Priscilla became tired of waiting for her boyfriend to propose and was thinking about breaking up with him, but she didn’t tell him why. Do you think Priscilla should have been up front with Elam, or should she have been more patient and waited awhile longer to see if he would bring up the subject of marriage? How long do you feel a couple should date before marriage?
11. Was it fair for Leah’s friend Elaine to allow Ben to court her when she still had feelings for Jonah?
12. When Leah knew she had feelings for Adam, she kept them to herself. Should she have opened up and admitted how she felt instead of fearing rejection?
13. Forgiveness, acceptance, and tolerance of others are some of the themes in this book. What verses of scripture were mentioned in the story? Can you think of some other helpful Bible verses that deal with these topics?
14. What life lessons did you learn from reading this book? Were there any particular verses of scripture that spoke to your heart?
15. Did you learn anything new about the Amish by reading this story? What are your thoughts about their way of life?
LEAH’S CHOCOLATE-CHIP CHEESE BALL
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened
¼ teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 (10½ ounce) package mini chocolate chips
¾ cup nuts, finely chopped
In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and brown sugar until combined. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Place on large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Roll ball in nuts. Serve with graham crackers or any other cracker you like.
LEAH’S HUMMINGBIRD CAKE
1 package yellow cake mix
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, well drained with juice reserved
3 eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 ripe banana, cut up
¾ cup walnuts, chopped and divided
1 (12 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, well drained, chopped, and divided
Glaze
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat 10-inch Bundt pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, pineapple, eggs, and cinnamon. Add enough water to reserved pineapple juice to make ½ cup. Add to bowl and beat thoroughly until mixture is combined. Stir in banana, ½ cup walnuts, and ¼ cup cherries. Mix well. Sprinkle remaining nuts and cherries in prepared pan then pour in batter. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool 15 minutes then invert onto serving platter and cool completely. In medium bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Beat until smooth. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times, award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda,
visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
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